Proclamation 9386-National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2016
Issued 2015-12-31 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate January 2016 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The proclamation recognizes that millions of people around the world and in the United States are subjected to modern-day slavery through human trafficking, including children forced to fight as soldiers, young people coerced into prostitution, and exploited migrants. It calls on Americans to recognize victims and work toward ending these practices.
The proclamation describes several federal efforts already underway, including working with private companies and organizations to address trafficking in supply chains and federal contracts, establishing a Federal Office on Trafficking in Persons under the Department of Health and Human Services to help victims access services, and devoting more intelligence and law enforcement resources to identifying and dismantling trafficking networks. The administration has also been working with technology companies to use technology in combating trafficking and promoting economic development globally to address underlying conditions that enable it.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that raises public awareness about human trafficking and asks businesses, organizations, families, and all Americans to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities. It does not create new laws or impose legal requirements on anyone, but rather expresses the President's call for national attention to this issue.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9386-National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to slavery and human trafficking prevention. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9386—National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2016 December 31, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation One hundred and fifty years ago, our Nation codified the fundamental truth that slavery is an affront to human dignity. Still, the bitter fact remains that millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking. This month, we rededicate ourselves to assisting victims of human trafficking and to combating it in all its forms. Human trafficking occurs in countries throughout the world and in communities across our Nation. Children are forced to fight as soldiers, young people are coerced into prostitution, and migrants are exploited. People from all walks of life are trafficked every day, and the United States is committed to remaining a leader in the global movement to end this abhorrent practice. My Administration has made addressing human trafficking issues in supply chains a priority. Earlier this year, the White House brought together private sector and non-governmental organizations to discuss ways to prevent and eliminate trafficking-related activ